Surgical instrument with imaging device

ABSTRACT

A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including a proximal body portion, an end effector, and an imaging device. The end effector is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface. A distal portion of the first jaw member is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. The imaging device is disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and is configured to capture visual data.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to instruments for surgically joining tissue and, more specifically, to a surgical instrument including an imaging device for visualizing tissue during a surgical procedure.

Background of Related Art

Various types of surgical instruments used to surgically join tissue are known in the art, and are commonly used, for example, for closure of tissue or organs in transection, resection, anastomoses, for occlusion of organs in thoracic and abdominal procedures, and for electrosurgically fusing or sealing tissue.

One example of such a surgical instrument is a surgical stapling instrument, which may include an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly for supporting an array of surgical fasteners, an approximation mechanism for approximating the cartridge and anvil assemblies, and a firing mechanism for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly.

Using a surgical instrument, it is common for a surgeon to approximate the anvil and cartridge members. Next, the surgeon can fire the instrument to emplace surgical fasteners in tissue. The surgeon may use the same instrument or a separate instrument to cut the tissue adjacent or between the row(s) of surgical fasteners.

Additionally, a loading unit (e.g., a single use loading unit or a disposable loading unit) may be attached to an elongated or endoscopic portion of a surgical stapling instrument. Such loading units allow surgical stapling instruments to have greater versatility, for example. The loading units may be configured for a single use, and/or may be configured for multiple uses.

Further, it may be difficult for a surgeon or physician to fully visualize the tissue being stapled or otherwise treated due to the orientation of the surgical instrument and the space limitations at and near the target tissue which may hinder the use of a separate endoscope, for example. Thus, there may be a need for end effectors and/or loading units including at least one imaging device to help visualize target tissue and/or a surgical site.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument. The loading unit includes a proximal body portion, an end effector, and an imaging device. The end effector is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface. A distal portion of the first jaw member is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. The imaging device is disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and is configured to capture visual data.

In disclosed embodiments, the first jaw member may be an anvil assembly and the second jaw member may be a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein.

It is also disclosed that the first angle may be between about 25° and about 65°.

In embodiments, a distal portion of the second jaw member may be disposed at a second angle with respect to the second tissue contacting surface. The first angle may be between about 25° and about 65°. It is disclosed that the first angle may be equal to the second angle.

In disclosed embodiments, the distal portion of the first jaw member may be angled toward the second jaw member.

It is also disclosed that the loading unit may include a second imaging device disposed on the distal portion of the second jaw member.

The present disclosure also relates to an end effector configured for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a plurality of imaging devices. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface. The plurality of imaging devices is disposed on the first jaw member. Each imaging device of plurality of imaging devices is configured to capture visual data.

In disclosed embodiments, the first jaw member may be an anvil assembly and the second jaw member may be a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein.

It is also disclosed that at least one imaging device of the plurality of imaging devices may be disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, wherein the first angle may be between about 70° and about 110°.

In embodiments, at least one imaging device of the plurality of imaging devices may be disposed at a 90° angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface.

In disclosed embodiments, each imaging device of the plurality of imaging devices may be disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, wherein the first angle may be between about 70° and about 110°.

It is disclosed that each imaging device of the plurality of imaging devices may be disposed at a 90° angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface.

It is further disclosed that the plurality of imaging devices may include a first imaging device and a second imaging device. The first imaging device may be disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, the second imaging device may be disposed at a second angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, and the first angle may be different from the second angle. It is disclosed that the plurality of imaging devices may include a third imaging device. The third imaging device may be disposed at the first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. In embodiments, the second angle may be 90°.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of performing a surgical procedure. The method includes positioning an end effector of a surgical instrument adjacent a surgical site, viewing an image captured from an imaging device disposed on the end effector while the end effector is adjacent the surgical site, and performing a surgical function with the surgical instrument.

Disclosed embodiments also include repositioning the end effector after viewing the image captured from the imaging device and before performing the surgical function with the surgical instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a cartridge assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a loading unit having an end effector in accordance with an embodiment present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the loading unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a distal end view of the loading unit of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a cartridge assembly of the end effector of the loading unit illustrated in FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a loading unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the loading unit of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the loading unit of FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a loading unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the loading unit of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a loading unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the loading unit of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument, loading unit for use therewith, and cartridge assembly for use therewith, are described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the user or operator, e.g., surgeon or physician, while the term “distal” refers to that part or component farther away from the user.

A surgical instrument of the present disclosure is indicated as reference numeral 100 in FIG. 1. Generally, surgical instrument 100 includes a handle assembly 110, an elongated portion 120 extending distally from handle assembly 110, a loading unit 200 disposed adjacent a distal end of elongated portion 120, and an imaging device 800 (FIGS. 3-15). While FIG. 1 illustrates surgical instrument 100 including a handle assembly including a movable handle 112 and a stationary handle, other types of handles can be used such as, for example, powered, motor-driven, hydraulic, ratcheting, etc. Furthermore, a loading unit or surgical component can be configured for use in a robotic surgical system. As used herein, “handle assembly” encompasses all types of handle assemblies. Loading unit 200 is releasably attachable to elongated portion 120 of surgical instrument 100, e.g., to allow surgical instrument 100 to have greater versatility. This arrangement allows the clinician to select a particular loading unit 200 for a given procedure. As used herein, “loading unit” encompasses both single use loading units (“SULU”) and disposable loading units (“DLU”). Additionally or alternatively, surgical instrument 100 may have a cartridge that is removable and replaceable in the reusable jaws of the surgical instrument.

Examples of loading units for use with a surgical stapling instrument are disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,644 to Bolanos et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Further details of an endoscopic surgical stapling instrument are described in detail in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,139 to Milliman et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In disclosed embodiments, surgical instrument 100 includes a firing rod (not shown) that is moved distally in response to actuation of handle assembly 110 to deploy fasteners 600 (FIG. 2). With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, at least a partial actuation of movable handle 112 translates the firing rod distally. Distal translation of the firing rod causes distal translation of a clamping member 500 (FIG. 2) to approximate at least one jaw member with respect to the other, as discussed in further detail below. Distal translation of clamping member 500 also causes corresponding translation of an actuation sled 520, which engages pushers 700 (FIG. 2) in a sequential manner, and which results in pushers 700 moving within retention cavities 450 (FIG. 2) of a cartridge assembly 400 to cause the ejection of fasteners 600 therefrom, as discussed in further detail below.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, a proximal portion 212 of proximal body portion 210 of loading unit 200 is sized and configured to engage elongated portion 120 of surgical instrument 100 (FIG. 1). More particularly, with reference to FIG. 3, an insertion tip 202 of loading unit 200 is linearly insertable into the distal end of elongated portion 120 of surgical instrument 100 (FIG. 1). Nubs 204 of insertion tip 202 move linearly through slots (not shown) formed adjacent the distal end of elongated portion 120. Subsequently, loading unit 200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis “A-A” with respect to elongated portion 120 such that nubs 204 move transversely with respect to longitudinal axis “A-A” through the slots within elongated portion 120. Additionally, during engagement of loading unit 200 and elongated portion 120, the firing rod of handle assembly 110 engages a portion of a drive bar 510 (FIG. 2) of loading unit 200. As shown in FIG. 2, a distal end of drive bar 510 is coupled to clamping member 500.

With reference to FIG. 2, clamping member 500 includes an I-shaped cross-section, including a first portion 502, which is configured to engage cartridge assembly 400, a second portion 504, which is configured to engage anvil assembly 300 (FIG. 1), and a third portion 503, which connects first portion 502 and second portion 504, and which may include a cutting edge 506 on its distal or leading surface. Further, distal advancement of clamping member 500 through end effector 220 causes first portion 502 to contact a camming surface 402 (FIG. 4) of cartridge assembly 400. Continued distal advancement of clamping member 500 thus causes cartridge assembly 400 to pivot with respect to anvil assembly 300 from its open position (FIG. 4) toward its approximated position wherein cartridge assembly 400 and anvil assembly 300 are in a close cooperative relationship. It is further envisioned that anvil assembly 300 may pivot with respect to a stationary cartridge assembly 400. Thus, a predetermined amount of distal travel of the firing rod, and thus drive bar 510, causes approximation of the jaw members. Additionally, cutting edge 506 of clamping member 500, if included on clamping member 500, severs tissue disposed between the jaw members (after the tissue has been fastened) as cutting edge 506 travels through a knife channel 401 of cartridge assembly 400 (FIG. 2). In embodiments where end effector 220 is curved, knife channel 401 is also curved.

With further regard to actuation sled 520, distal translation of actuation sled 520 sequentially engages pushers 700, and causes pushers 700 to move in the general direction of arrow “B” (FIG. 2) and eject fasteners 600 toward anvil assembly 300. As noted above, subsequent to the ejection of fasteners 600, cutting edge 506 of clamping member 500 may sever the stapled tissue.

With reference to FIG. 1, a loading unit 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Loading unit 200 includes a proximal body portion 210 defining a longitudinal axis “A-A,” and a tool assembly or end effector 220 including a first jaw member or anvil assembly 300, and a second jaw member or cartridge assembly 400. Cartridge assembly 400 includes a cartridge 408 disposed within a cartridge channel 409 (FIG. 2). Proximal body portion 210 is configured to be removably attached to elongated portion 120 of surgical instrument 100 as will be discussed in detail hereinbelow. Additionally, end effector 220 is pivotable with respect to proximal body portion 210 (and longitudinal axis “A-A”).

Referring now to FIGS. 3-16, four embodiments of loading units are shown, and are indicated as loading unit 200 a, loading unit 200 b, loading unit 200 c, and loading unit 200 d. In each embodiment, loading unit 200 includes at least one imaging device 800, as detailed below.

With specific regard to FIGS. 3-8, the first embodiment of loading unit 200 a is shown. In this embodiment, loading unit 200 a includes one imaging device, i.e., a first imaging device 800 a. First imaging device 800 a is disposed on (e.g., integrated with, attachable to, removable from) a distal portion 405 a of cartridge 408 a of cartridge assembly 400 a, and is generally angled distally and toward anvil assembly 300 a. In particular, distal portion 405 a of cartridge 408 a and thus first imaging device 800 a are oriented at an angle α1 with respect to a tissue-contacting surface 410 a of cartridge assembly 400 a. It is envisioned that angle α1 is between about 25° and about 65°, and may be equal to 45°.

With regard to FIGS. 9-11, the second embodiment of loading unit 200 b is shown. Here, loading unit 200 b includes one imaging device, i.e., a second imaging device 800 b. Second imaging device 800 b is disposed on a distal portion 305 b of anvil assembly 300 b, and is generally angled proximally and toward cartridge assembly 400 b. In particular, distal portion 305 d of anvil assembly 300 d and thus second imaging device 800 b are oriented at an angle α2 with respect to a tissue-contacting surface 310 b of anvil assembly 300. It is envisioned that angle α2 is between about 115° and about 155°, and may be equal to 135° (see FIG. 10).

With regard to FIGS. 12-14, the third embodiment of loading unit 200 c is shown. Here, loading unit 200 c includes two imaging devices, i.e., a first imaging device 800 c and a second imaging device 802 c. As shown in FIG. 12, first imaging device 800 c is disposed on a distal portion 405 c of cartridge 408 c of cartridge assembly 400 c, and is generally angled distally and toward anvil assembly 300 c. In particular, distal portion 405 c of cartridge 408 c and thus first imaging device 800 c are oriented at an angle α3 with respect to a tissue-contacting surface 410 c of cartridge assembly 400 c (FIG. 12). It is envisioned that angle α3 is between about 25° and about 65°, and may be equal to 45°. As shown in FIG. 13, second imaging device 802 c is disposed on a distal portion 305 c of anvil assembly 300 c, and is generally angled proximally and toward cartridge assembly 400 c. In particular, distal portion 305 c of anvil assembly 300 c and thus second imaging device 802 c are oriented at an angle α4 with respect to a tissue-contacting surface 310 c of anvil assembly 300 c. It is envisioned that angle α4 is between about 25° and about 65°, and may be equal to 45°. It is further envisioned that angle α3 is the same as or similar to angle α4. Additionally, it is envisioned that distal portion 405 c of cartridge 408 c is parallel to distal portion 305 c of anvil assembly 300 c when end effector 220 c is in an approximated (e.g., a fully approximated) position.

With regard to FIGS. 15 and 16, the fourth embodiment of loading unit 200 d is shown. Here, loading unit 200 d includes three imaging devices, i.e., a first imaging device 800 d, a second imaging device 802 d, and a third imaging device 804 d. Each of first imaging device 800 d, second imaging device 802 d and third imaging device 804 d is disposed on anvil assembly 300 d and generally faces cartridge assembly 400 d. Each of first imaging device 800 d, second imaging device 802 d and third imaging device 804 d is oriented at an angle α5 with respect to tissue-contacting surface 310 d of anvil assembly 300 d. It is envisioned that angle α5 is between about 70° and about 110°, or may be equal to 90°. It is further disclosed that at least two imaging devices (of first imaging device 800 d, second imaging device 802 d and third imaging device 804 d) are oriented at different angles than each other with respect to tissue-contacting surface 310 d of anvil assembly 300 d. For instance, it is envisioned that first imaging device 800 d, which is disposed proximally of second imaging device 802 d, is angled distally with respect to tissue-contacting surface 310 d of anvil assembly 300 d; second imaging device 802 d is disposed at a 90° angle with respect to tissue-contacting surface 310 d of anvil assembly 300 d; and third imaging device 804 d, which is disposed distally of second imaging device 802 d, is angled proximally with respect to tissue-contacting surface 310 d of anvil assembly 300 d.

In embodiments where imaging device 800 is attachable to and/or removable from cartridge 408 and/or anvil assembly 300, it is envisioned that imaging device 800 engages the jaw member via a snap-fit connection or is attachable with adhesives, for instance.

Imaging device 800, or camera, is configured to capture and/or record visual data (i.e., images and/or video) from the surgical site and surrounding tissue, for example, and is configured to relay the images and/or video to a display device to help a physician, surgeon, or other use visualize the target tissue. The visualization of the target tissue may help ensure that the desired tissue is being clamped, stapled, screwed, dissected, sealed, etc. by the surgical instrument 100 without the use of an additional instrument (e.g., an endoscope). It is often difficult to fully see the target tissue due to space limitations and device limitations, especially when the target tissue is beneath or behind the target tissue, for example.

It is also envisioned that imaging device 800 is in communication with an image sensor, a light source, a processor, and a display device. The display device may be included on the surgical instrument 100 (e.g., the handle assembly 110) or may be located remotely (i.e., not on the surgical instrument 100). Further details of a surgical instrument including a camera, a light source, a processor, and heat management techniques are disclosed in commonly-owned International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2017/078143 filed on Mar. 24, 2017, the entire contents of which being incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure also includes methods of performing a surgical procedure using surgical instrument 100 and/or loading unit 200 disclosed herein. For example, a method including using surgical instrument 100 (e.g., a surgical stapling instrument) and/or loading unit 200 with at least one imaging device 800 integrated therewith is disclosed. Disclosed methods also include positioning end effector 220 of surgical instrument 100 adjacent a surgical site, viewing an image captured from imaging device 800 disposed on end effector 220 while end effector 220 is adjacent the surgical site, repositioning or moving end effector 220 to a preferred location in response to viewing the image captured from imaging device 800, and performing a surgical function (e.g., stapling tissue) using surgical instrument 100.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but merely as illustrations of various embodiments thereof. For example, a loading unit such as described above can be configured to work with a robotic surgical system, or a remotely actuated and controlled surgical system. Such a loading unit can have a removable and replaceable staple cartridge or one that is not removable and replaceable. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, the loading unit comprising: a proximal body portion; an end effector disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, the end effector including a first jaw member and a second jaw member, at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member being movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position, the first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface, a distal portion of the first jaw member disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, a distal portion of the second jaw member is disposed parallel to the distal portion of the first jaw member when the jaw members are in the approximated position; a first imaging device disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, the first imaging device configured to capture visual data; and a second imaging device disposed on the distal portion of the second jaw member, the second imaging device configured to capture visual data.
 2. The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw member is an anvil assembly and the second jaw member is a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein.
 3. The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the first angle is between about 25° and about 65°.
 4. The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the second jaw member is disposed at a second angle with respect to the second tissue contacting surface.
 5. The loading unit according to claim 4, wherein the first angle is between about 25° and about 65°.
 6. The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the first jaw member is angled toward the second jaw member.
 7. An end effector configured for use with a surgical instrument, the end effector comprising: a first jaw member and a second jaw member, at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member being movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position, the first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface; a first imaging device disposed on the first jaw member; and a second imaging device disposed on the second jaw member, the first imaging device opposing the second imaging device when the jaw members are in the approximated position.
 8. The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first jaw member is an anvil assembly and the second jaw member is a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein.
 9. The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first imaging device is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, wherein the first angle is between about 70° and about 110°.
 10. The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first imaging device is disposed at a 90° angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface.
 11. The end effector according to claim 9, wherein the second imaging device is disposed at a second angle with respect to a second tissue contacting surface of the second jaw member, wherein the second angle is between about 70° and about 110°.
 12. The end effector according to claim 10, wherein the second imaging device is disposed at a 90° angle with respect to a second tissue contacting surface of the second jaw member.
 13. The end effector according to claim 7, further including a third imaging device disposed at the first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface.
 14. The end effector according to claim 13, wherein the first angle is 90°.
 15. A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising: positioning an end effector of a surgical instrument adjacent a surgical site; viewing a first image captured from a first imaging device disposed on the end effector while the end effector is adjacent the surgical site; viewing a second image captured from a second imaging device disposed on the end effector while the end effector is adjacent the surgical site; approximating jaw members of the end effector such that the first imaging device moves from a first position where the first imaging device is non-parallel to the second imaging device, to a second position where the first imaging device is parallel to the second imaging device; and performing a surgical function with the surgical instrument.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further including repositioning the end effector after viewing the first image captured from the first imaging device and before performing the surgical function with the surgical instrument. 